Annual & Community Events

Sip Shop & Stroll

The second Thursday of each month. Sip a little wine and shop as you stroll through the stores in Historic Downtown Elgin. You will find diverse merchandise, eclectic decor, artwork by local artists and live music in many of the venues. Check out the Store Specials for this event (updated each month).

Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance

Each year in January, a walk is planned followed by a program with guest speakers in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. The cities of Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville take turns hosting the event. The current date and location will be listed on the Community Calendar.

Art Studio Tour

Held in May, this event showcases local artists in studios and shops throughout Historic Downtown Elgin and the surrounding area and start your Christmas shopping and find unique and diverse gifts for both yourself and others. The event also includes the Pearls of Youth Art Show and Scholarship Awards Reception. For more information call Barry Perez at 512-461-5853.

Elgin Volunteer Fire Department BBQ Cook-Off

The Fireman's BBQ Cook-off is held in April in Elgin Memorial Park. Participants begin arriving on Friday to start preparing their cuisine with judging on Saturday. For details, contact the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department at 512-281-4025.

Relay For Life

This annual event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and is a community event that not only raises funds for research and patient services, but also raises awareness and gives hope to those touched by cancer and their families. For more information on this event, visit the website at Relay For Life Elgin, or email.

Community-wide Garage Sale

The first Saturday in May a community-wide garage sale is held for anyone wishing to participate. Watch the Elgin Courier for details and to secure a map showing the locations of all the sales. For information on how to get on the map, contact the Elgin Courier at 512-285-3333.

Music in the Park

The Music Series will be in April this year in Historic Downtown Elgin in Veterans' Memorial Park. The Parks and Recreation Department along with the Friends of Elgin Parks provide live music 3 times or more per year. Bring beverages, snacks, blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy this free event. Concessions are available. For more information and a complete schedule, visit Elgin Parks and Recreation.

Movies in the Park

The Movies Series runs from June to July in Elgin Memorial Park. The Parks and Recreation Department along with the Friends of Elgin Parks provide movies 2 or more times per year. The series features family friendly movies and guests are welcome to bring their own beverages, snacks, blanket or lawn chair and enjoy these free viewings. Concessions are also available. For more information visit Elgin Parks and Recreation.

Juneteenth Festival

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation into law on January 1, 1863. Texans did not receive word of this proclamation until June 19, 1865. Elgin celebrates the occasion the 2nd weekend in June with a parade, dance and festival. The events take place in Historic Downtown Elgin in Veterans' Memorial Park. For more information, see Juneteenth Festival.

Western Days

Held the fourth week in June in Elgin Memorial Park, the festival week begins with the Tiny Tot and Miss Western Days Pageants on Tuesday, Carnival on Thursday and Tennis Court Dance on Friday night. Saturday includes a Grand Parade down Main Street and the Festival in the Park. Come and join in on all the fun! Greater Elgin Chamber of Commerce.

Chalk It Up Children's Sidewalk Art Contest

The Elgin Parks and Recreation Department sponsors a free children's sidewalk art contest each July at Veterans' Memorial Park. Chalk It Up is a program for children ages 3-12. The event is free. For more information visit Elgin Parks and Recreation.

Elgin People's Patriotic Fourth of July Parade

Push, Pedal, Pull and Pets is the theme of the annual parade and celebration held on the Fourth of July. Everyone is invited to walk or ride down Main Street from City Hall to Veterans' Memorial Park. All non-motorized entries are accepted. Food and fun follow the parade with a short program and a Soap Box Derby Exhibition by the local Cub Scouts. For more information visit Elgin Parks and Recreation.

Original Elgin Rodeo

Held in July at 186 Hwy 95 South in Elgin. Gates open at 7pm, rodeo starts at 8pm. Broncs, Roping Dogging,Barrels and Bulls. For more information call 512-350-9566 or email: tlprcelign@gmail.com

National Night Out

Neighborhoods throughout Elgin are invited to join with thousands of communities nationwide for this event in October. Elgin Police officers and City officials visit neighborhoods in support of building a community partnership. Residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and spend the evening outside with their neighbors. To participate contact the Elgin Police Department at 512-285-5757. Register your neighborhood/group (PDF).

Fall Festival

Held the first Thursday in October at the Elgin Public Library from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. The festival includes a costume contest, crafts, games, clowns and more. Vendors selling food and arts & crafts are also present. For information, call Melinda Torres at 512-281-5678. Made possible through Elgin Public Library Children's Programs.

The Pearls Before Swine Art Show

The Pearls Before Swine Art Show kicks off the annual Hogeye Festival every year on the 4th Thursday of October. Sponsored by the Elgin Arts Association, "Pearls" showcases the Elgin area's finest artists. A silent auction raises funds for scholarships for area high school seniors who wish to continue their education in the arts. The show remains open to the public throughout the Hogeye weekend. The event is generously supported by local businesses, the Elgin Main Street Board, and the Hogeye Festival Committee. For more information, visit Elgin Arts Association.

Hogeye Festival

The festival is held the fourth Saturday of October in Historic Downtown Elgin and features food, kids activities, handmade arts and crafts, live music on 3 stages and plenty of pig puns to go around. Events include Lindsy Kay Wing Children's Pet Parade, Road Hog Car Show, Gordon Swenson Memorial BBQ Pork-Off, Carnival, Cow Patty Bingo, and last but not least, the Hogalicious Dessert Contest! For more information, or to register for any of the events listed, go to Hogeye Festival.

Safe Trick or Treat Trail

The Safe Trick or Treat Trail takes place on Halloween in Historic Downtown Elgin and Veterans' Memorial Park. Local businesses pass out treats and provide activities for the Trick or Treaters. This safe alternative to traditional Trick or Treating is a popular event for the kids. Sponsored by the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, visit Elgin Parks and Recreation.

Shop Small Saturday

Celebrated the Saturday after Thanksgiving and join the search for Priscilla the pig mascot for the Elgin Hogeye Festival at participating businesses. As you find Priscilla enter to win Downtown Dollar Gift Certificates and enjoy refreshments, store specials and holiday sales. Shop Small Saturday is a national promotion by American Express to support shopping with locally owned businesses. The Elgin Chamber of Commerce, the Elgin Main Street Board, and the Economic Development Corporation hope you’ll celebrate the Saturday after Thanksgiving in Elgin!